Aluminium matrix-zirconia nanoparticles-reinforced composites were prepared by the infiltration technique. The metallic matrix
for these composites stabilizes the tetragonal phase of zirconia at low temperature (450 °C) whereas at 610 °C a mixture of
tetragonal and monoclinic was obtained. The wear resistance of zirconia-modified aluminium was significantly improved due
to the presence of the ceramic nanoparticles embedded into the matrix.
Keywords Zirconia - Aluminium - Composites - Infiltration - Nanoparticles - Tribology - Martensitic - Tetragonal - Monoclinic
Received: 13 March 2000 / Reviewed and accepted: 20 July 2000